MEET SHAIFUL!

New York City in Your Mind ... My NY by DKNY

There’s always more to New York than just a
city —it’s a state of mind. Perhaps, when the Dutch explorers first opened the
city, then known as New Amsterdam, little would they know that it will somehow
grow into something that is larger than any living thing in the world. Let
alone being a metropolis where millions of souls coming from all corners of the
world converge.

From the yellow cabs to the Times Square
billboards that are saturated with images and neon lights, every inch of the
city emits inspirations. And these inspirations are immortalised in various
forms of arts and literature. Think Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” or the
style-drenched sitcom “Sex and the City” as the by-products of New York.

Now, speaking of by-products, if there was
ever a bona fide Big Apple souvenir that you can buy without having to step a
foot on New York City, that would be DKNY fragrances. Ever since its inception
by legendary designer and iconic resident Donna Karan, DKNY fragrances can be
beautifully summed as the olfactory embodiment of the city. Every accord and
note used to concoct the scent ties back to the energetic vibe of the city –
brimming with passion, life and lights.

This year, the layered emotional tapestry
of New York is once again encapsulated in the form of a beautiful fragrance by
DKNY. Aptly entitled MY NY, the fragrance captures the essence of the city’s
modern and urban spirit. Powerfully unique, the fragrance serves as a beautiful
olfactory mosaic made of New York’s diverse and unique facets. The scent is
irresistibly compelling and spontaneously playful at the same time.

Raspberries and Galbanum purveys a sexy
introduction to the fragrance with accents of pink pepper fortifies its allure.
At the heart of the fragrance, Egyptian jasmine is wrapped with notes of
Freesia and Orrisroots to bring out its sensual quality. Whiffs of Patchouli
heart LMR, Vanilla absolute and musk conjure rich soulfulness, especially when
it is laced with the vibrancy of the Ambergris.

The pink-hued juice is then bottled in an
iconic heart-shaped bottle, as lucid as the lights that brighten the New York
skyscrapers at night. On top is a silver metallic cap that resembles the aerial
view of Manhattan skyline. Printed across the carton is a beautiful rendering
of pixelated heart stamped with My NY, designed by renowned New York City-based
artist Curtis Kulig.

Just as what most people would say when
they come to New York, “You can’t help it but to be madly in love with the
city,” singer/actress/model Rita Ora too could attest to the notion. Though
born in Kosovo and raised in the United Kingdom, the British beauty who is
known for the bottle blonde hair and red pucker has been profoundly in love
with New York.

A projection of modern individuality
through her eclectic style, Rita is as fiercely unique as New York itself and
it can be seen in the campaign that was directed and shot by Francesco
Carrozzini. In this campaign, Rita, dressed in black leather jackets, sky-high
heels and her trademark bright red lips, struts through the busy streets
alongside the icons of New York such as the yellow cab and the never ending
rushing crowd, making herself part of the city’s eclectic and energetic vibe.

DKNY My NY is available now at all DKNY
fragrances counters and beauty emporiums worldwide. In Malaysia, My NY retails
at RM 245.00 for 50ml and RM320.00 for 100ml.*Photos courtesy of DKNY Fragrances

EDITOR'S LOVE LETTER

One month from now, Christmas will be upon us, followed by New Year. Again, shopping malls and stores are literally screaming, “’Tis the season to go shopping!”

If in the previous years, our choices were limited to four collections – spring/summer, pre-fall, fall/winter and cruise - per year, the recent years have seen quite a surprising change. Spring has been separated from summer into a distinctive collection and same goes to winter – on its own. Overall, there are FIVE collections in a year! Does this mean yay or nay?

To the retailers, it is a certain 'yay' because it will lead to greater profit generation. To fashionistas who are always hungry for new clothes, it also means a huge ‘yay’ as they can keep on hunting for what’s new every day of the week. But what about fashionistas who are into fashion but lag behind when it comes to the finance part? A really tough situation, I suppose.

In this kind of situation, most fashionistas are torn between ready-to-wear and the accessories. To the accessories camp, accessories are worth investing in as they are not prone to seasons.

Take Birkin for instance. Regardless of what year or season, a black alligator hide 50cm Birkin in glossy finish is always relevant and goes well with anything, even in the next thousand years to come. So is Céline Luggage bag by Phoebe Philo that not only practical but also stands the test of time. Safe-keep them well and they can be the best heirlooms any girl could ask for.

While ready-to-wear is never a man’s problem, since menswear silhouettes and looks remain much the same season after season, the problem is more obvious with women.

Being season prone, many smart shoppers opt to stick with iconic or permanent pieces. Not only they are forever relevant but most importantly, they often last for a lifetime! Yet, there is a downside to it, if you were cash-strapped: They cost more than seasonal pieces. Furthermore, do not expect them to be seen on the sale rack once the season ends.

Speaking of permanent pieces, one of my favourite permanent or iconic looks that can be worn from day to night is the wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Simple yet sexy, practical yet chic, the wrap dress has stood the test of time since it was first produced in the 1970s.

Furthermore, its appeal also lies in one fact every chic woman embrace: A wrap dress does not bring out the je ne sais quoi of a French woman or the cosmopolitan elegance of a New Yorker in you. Instead, it enhances your femininity, regardless of your age, your race, or your social background. Just as true as its creator once said, “Feel like a woman, wear a dress.”

So, no matter what your choice is, always remember that comfort is the main key to happiness and satisfaction. After all, having to walk and pose in pain for that bandage dress can be a waste of time, dear!

From me and Fashion Heaven Rants, wishing you a very chic Merry Christmas ahead!

Beaucoup d’Amour

Shaiful

WHO WEAR WHAT?

Sharon Stone seen with Mademoiselle Longchamp bag at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)